Blue Bulls lock Juandré Kruger will not be considered for selection when his side take on the Leopards in Rustenburg on the weekend.

Kruger suffered a grade one tear to an ankle ligament in the match against Griquas last week and will be out of action for a week.

However, Gerhard van den Heever and Ruan Snyman is fit again and should be considered.

Kruger's injury could open the door for a return to the team by talented second row forward Fudge Mabeta.

Mabeta, a regular in the matchday 22 this season, did not feature in the last two matches - against the Pumas and Griquas.

However, he could be utilised as a No.5 lock - despite featuring mostly as a front-of-the-line-out jumper this season - and slot straight back into the starting XV.

That will ensure minimal changes from last week's team - although the bench will feature at least one, with Willie Wepener in for Chiliboy Ralepelle, who is back on Springbok duty.